Coffee X Change

On Wickenden Street in Providence (originally a strip of farm owned by William Wickenden in 1650),  the local coffee emporium Coffee Exchange provides a homey (literally a former home) setting for fair trade beans for a fair price.

The deck on the side that runs from street to rear parking (with a hint of the bay beyond) is a location to be treasured on a fine spring day.

Farm Livin'

Codman Farm in Lincoln MA has been in continuous operation for 150 years, the last 40 as a community owned farm. Well loved and well used by the community, it is within walking distance of the the commuter rail to Boston (take your chicken to work day?).

This sign/bell of indeterminate age was provided by John Deere, when swag was more that just baseball caps.

Codman Piece

The Codman Estate in Lincoln Massachusetts was originally 650 acres owned by Chambers Russell in the 1740's. Eventually it passed to cousins, the Codmans, and wonderful Federal style buildings were constructed, including the carriage house shown above. The estate is open to the public and is down to 16 acres, but includes an Italianate garden and a working  community farm.

In the late 1800's Ogden Codman, Jr. became well know for his book The Decoration of Houses that he co-authored with his pal, Edith Wharton.

Towering Angell

That is Thomas Angell, one of the four men who wintered with Roger Williams in 1638. Angell Street spans from river to river (the Moshassuck to the Seekonk) and this fine building from the 1890's is smack dab in the middle.

An upright and towering example of Queen Ann still delivering the goods even today.

The Angle of the Triangle

Charles Bulfinch wacked off the top of Beacon Hill for his statehouse, and then filled in Mill Pond, using a grid plan with diagonals for the urban design. This industrial flatiron building was constructed in 1904, with three additional floors added when it became the Bulfinch Hotel.

A rare stellar pointy building, thought the effort is somewhat squandered by its less-than-prominant  non-vista-terminating location.

Newburyport-in-a-storm Church

A day that threatened to rain turned out nice with a visit with west coast friends, and an unexpected classic car display. Walking back afterwards down a side street. we spied this modest, but dignified parish house peaking out behind the even more dignified and elegant church front of the First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist (make up your mind!).

They knew how to do things in 1801.